Ghajini (2008) Music Review

A.R Rahman is associated with South Indian directors who made their foray into Bollywood. The likes of the great Mani Ratnam debuted with A.R Rahman (though the pair were together in Tamil since "ROJA", they debuted in Bollywood with DIL SE..) Though the film bombed, the music became a cult classic and it's still being played today. The famous style-fantasy of the the South, S.Shankar also debuted with NAYAK (also ARR) but it never made an impact, due to it's cliched factor associated with most South formulaic films.

Now it's 2008, and we got A.R Murgadoss debuting Bollywood with GHAJINI, a remake of his Tamil film that starred Surya, Asin, Nayantara and Pradeep Rawat. Released in 2005 with super-hit music by Harris Jayaraj (lyrics: Na Muthukumar), former associate of ARR, now it's Aamir Khan's turn to see if he tasted success with A.R Rahman along with Khan's favorite, Prasoon Joshi (the duo come again after Blockbuster hit, RANG DE BASANTI).

Unfortunately, the music's below par but let's not get hasty on "slow poison" and "give it time" reasons.

Guzzarish is a soothing number but half way through the song, Sonu Nigam (guest vocals), chips in an "ah" or two and then it hits you. Though Javed Ali got full marks for the song, one wishes that Nigam could've sung this one instead. Even after giving "Mastam Mastam" and "Dil Ka Rishta" from Yuvvraaj, I was merely hoping he would sing it (or rather, ARR compose a Nigam version of the song.) The song is predicted to be the "Suttum Vizhi" of this version and it's pretty slow for the former being a fast beat one. Still, this is a pick of the album.

Behka marks the return of Karthik (who's now a hotshot singer down south) to Bollywood after SAATHIYA's "Chori Pe Chori." Touted as "Oru Maalai", the tune just doesn't gel with the lyrics, to be frank here. It's sounds like one of the rejected songs from JAANE TU YA JAANE NA. The jazzy and hip beat compiled together and to top it off with Shankar-Eshaan-Loy's "ROCK ON!" chorus like chant that you can hear in the end of the song. The main problem is that Joshi tries to shoe horn in the urdu and meaninful lyrics into the song. It's overall an OK track, nothing groundbreaking.

Latoo with Shreya Goshal is "Rahatulla" thanks to the exact arrangements that can be heard here, espcially in the middle of the song. For someone who's used to giving soothing melodies like Ilayaraja's CHEENI KUM" or Vishal-Shekhar's "MAIN AGAR KAHOON", this one doesn't suit her well and I wonder why they didn't get Sunidhi Chauhan to do this song, she's used to it. Heck, the RAB BANA DI JODI song has her doing a disco type wala number. Chauhan would've done well, here with Goshal, it doesn't go well together, like chalk and cheese. Average composition.

Aye Bachchoo sounds like he's taken a page or two out of "ROCK ON!" and several of Music Director, Pritam Chakraboorty's hit albums, majorly, JAB WE MET's "Mauja Mauja". The tune's very 90ish rock and with Suzanne behind the mike (she's done DHOOM 2), nothing special nor there was anything in "X-Machi", basically filler tracks. Nothing great but could be catered for the masses who prefer this.

Kaise Mujhe has Benny Dayal again doing a souful and sad track with Goshal joining in later on. A good listen overall but will the audience have the patience to listen to this sad song. This is obviously the bonus track that Murgadoss had mentioned in Behindwoods.com's interview. From the hearings, it's likely to be Aamir thinking of Asin's "death" and so on. You can tell the arrangements give it a background score-ish material. Slow, but a good hear. Check out it's instrumental too if you enjoyed this track.

Ghajini's Hindi version doesn't create any hype on music. And frankly, after giving good scores like JTYJN, YUVVRAAJ, I would rather prefer the latter albums and enjoy probably Guzzarish, a little Behka, and Kaise Mujhe. As for the rest, nothing groundbreaking, just plain average.

Rating: ***

Gautham slams critics...

And how? Take a gander from the Sify.com/movies/tamil interview...

Some scenes like Surya going to US with his father’s consent to find Sameera seems illogical. Please comment?
It’s my story and my dad did that! He supported me to go and chase my love and let me clarify that in the film, Surya’s dad did not fund his trip to US but after finishing his duties as a son, he takes permission and goes on his own. I wonder why a section of people did not understand that. And I read someone writing that my hero was sent on a tour by his parents instead of treating him for drug addition! Well, let me tell you that my characters are etched from real life people and there have been cases of people getting out of drug addiction due to parental support and love.

When a hero flies 15 feet high in the air and then hits a train in a recent superstar film, people did not say it was illogical. But why are they saying that when my hero goes to US to chase his love, it is illogical??

The answer: Guess who just shot at Dharani's flopbuster, Kuruvi? Witty Dig I should say. Me thinks it has to do with when he intially approached Vijay to do a film together, but after Vijay heard the script, he offered him a "Thirupachi" DVD to watch and copy the sentiments from that into his script! The irony here is that Ajith, who WAS to do a film with Gautham for Sivaji Productions, had sacked him for Dharani instead!

Moral of the story: This is why one is living in ivory towers doing ridiculous films while the other gives good films by acclaimed actors.

One door closes...another one opens?

Sad news to all. Thanks to Pyramid Samira's Kuselan loss, seems that he can't compensate with Kamal Hassan's magnus opus, Marmayogi. So for now, it looks like the project is indeed dropped/shelved. A detailed news from below courtesy of Sify.

I wish Kamal Hassan all the best and that we're all behind him. Also, a belated happy birthday to the versataile actor himself.

It is almost certain that the much talked about Kamal Hassan magnum opus Marmayogi has been dropped. Pyramid Saimira who were to jointly produce it with Rajkamal International, is reported to have pulled out of the project due to lack of finance.

Ever since the colossal failure of Kuselan Pyramid Saimira has been caught in a financial crunch out of which it looks seemingly impossible to come out. Kamal, the perfectionist if he has to make Marmayogi can do it only on a huge canvass and that requires big money, nearly Rs 100 crore.

Now the market buzz is that Kamal is starting a new venture Thalaivan Irukkiraan, for Gemini Films Circuit, who had done 'Vasool Raja MBBS' earlier with the star. Gemini is trying to make the film on a budget of Rs 50 to Rs 60 crore, in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi and Malayalam . An offical announcement is expected shortly once the star cast and technicians are firmed up.

As per the rumours making the rounds it is going to be an action packed adventure film to be shot in US and Switzerland. It will have a galaxy of stars from all Indian languages like Rishi Kapoor, Venkatesh and Mohanlal. The film will have music by A R Rahman and will be written and directed by Kamal Hassan.

Why Kamal is ahead of times....

Below are the 7 key points from his earlier films that actually depicted the future of India. Take a look:
=========

1) In 1978, his tamil movie “Sivappu Rojakal” got released. He
played the role of a Psychopath killer . One year later, a guy called
Psycho Raman was caught for brutally murdering people

2) In 1988, kamal played the role of a unemployed youth in the movie
“Sathya”. In 89-90’s our country faced lot of problems due to
unemployment.

3) In 1992, his blockbuster movie “Devar Magan” got released. Its a
village based subject. There will be some scenes portraying communal
clashes. Exactly a year later in 1993, there were many communal
clashes in southern districts.

4) We all know in 1996 many people in our country was cheated by
finance companies. Our Kamal Hasan has clearly depicted this in his
movie “mahanadhi” which got released in 1994 itself.

5) In “heyram”(2000), there are some scenes relating to Hindu Muslim
clashes . We all know 2 years later, godhra(Gujarat riots) incident
happened.

6) He used a word called ‘tsunami’ in his movie
“Anbesivam”(2003).The word ‘tsunami’ was not known to many people
before. In 2004, ‘tsunami’ stuck the east coast of our country and
many people lost their lives.

7) In his latest movie ”Vettaiyadu Vilayadu ”(2006) there are two
characters called ila&amudhan who played the roles of psychopath
killers. After 3 months of release of the movie, the noida serial
killing came to light (moninder/sathish)

And to add another point to the seven below

8 )He shows the outbreak of a biological weapon(virus/vial) in Tamil nadu
–Dasavatharam(2008)

?????
=========
Could we actually witness an outbreak of a biological weapon in the future?

The Power of Mental...(in Padaiyappa style)

Someone posted these lyrics. Really funny and so true. This is to the tune of Padaiyappa's song "Sutthi Sutthi Vandenga".

Suthi suthi vandeenga tune!

Badappa.......Badappa......

Sori nadai nadandu oora vitta odu!

Oorai vittu odu nee Tamilnattaivittu odu!

En peru soriyappa udambu fulla serangappa

En kooda erupadellam edupu sothu echangappa...

Munnal oru soriyappa pinnal oru noy appa

Udambu muyusam ekachekka noyappa......

Mosamana manidanappa nan nanri ketta nayappa....

Kuselan flop ayirchu pa nalla soru thinnu 4 naal achu pa..

Badappa.........Badappa..........

Ennai alaki pathadellam kannada karunkorangappa...... 1:01 am (2 minutes ago) delete Aappu

Ishwarya Rai sootha suthi vandeenga!

Seruppala adi vangineenga!

Ayyo unga keyattu mugam veengi pochunga!

Ethana nadaigaigal vandanga-ennaiya thodapathal

Adichanga!Ayyo en pochaippu nari pochunga!

Enakkomasuru thalaila kidaiyadu!

En sotta thalaikku wig dan porundaadu!

Adu kanja kodunga himaya malai polanga

Homo-sex dan panlanga........

Suthi suthi vandeenga!

Saroja Movie Review (2008)

The much hyped up Venkat Prabhu, who rode into success post Chennai 28 has a lot in stock here. Usually, new directors bomb badly with their second release. Like Nikhil Advani of first timer hit, Kal Ho Na Ho bombed miserably with Salaam E Ishq.

Saroja is touted as a thriller but like any thriller there are flaws. Namely, the cat-and-mouse chasing. As seen in Kamal Haasan's DASAVATHAARAM, the cat and mouse scenes can be irritating and dragging but Haasan succeeded in keeping our interest alive with the Bio Vial. Coming back to Saroja, there are times (mostly the second half of the film) where the plot becomes highly irritant of chasing around and such that it really tests your patience.

In the end, Saroja becomes an O-K film. A one time watch. Still, Venkat has done much much better in keeping you fastened in your seats from start to finish.

Meet Ajay raj (Mirchi Shiva), Ganesh (Premji Amaran), and brother duo Jagapathi Babu (Son of SPB, S.P Charan) and Jagan (Vaibhav). The foursome decide to drive down to Hydrabad for a cricket match, while concurrently, a kidnapping takes place before their departure and their arrival. Business Tycoon Vishwanath (Prakash Raj) finds that her daughter Saroja is kidnapped and enlists his friend, Inspector (Jayaram in a negative role) to trace the wherabouts. As the foursome reach Hydrabad, series of horrific events occur leaving the boys having to deal with the kidnapping gang and there forms the rest of the story.

Like Chennai 28, Venkat succeeds in budding up comedy and friendship. For instance, Premji Amaran was promising in Chennai 28 as the comic relief. Here, he's taken his comic to the next level. Unlike Vadivel and Vivek, his comedy isn't sidetracked from the plot nor does it deviate it. Moreover, he's usurped better here than he was in Satyam/Salute. He's sure to bring the house down with his women fantasies and his confusion with actress Saroja Devi.

The story is no different. In fact it's a copy of JUDGEMENT NIGHT (1993, Michael Douglas). Though the closing proceedings seem to be a lift from Malayalam laugh Riot, Ramji Rao Speaking and Babu's plan of action is nothing by Home Alone.

Another flaw the the dubbing. I've noticed that since Saroja is a billingual, most of the characters speak Telugu, but in characters like Telugu comedian, Brahmanadham, is really awkward speaking tamil though you can easily tell it's Telugu dubbed over. This the same problem that Kathanayakudu went through when Rajnikanth is partially dubbed in Telugu (though SPB has dubbed for him in Telugu) and partially is reshot synched.

Yuvan Shankar Raja bounces back with Saroja with pleasant numbers, but besides Aaja Mere Soniye and Dosth Bada Dosth, the rest of the numbers seem forced or stick like a sore thumb.

Performances. Out of the four, S.P Charan stands tall in his acting debut. Like his legendary father S.P Balasubramanian, he's extremely talented and one hopes he gets good roles like this. Second, Premji, hands down. Other directors, please take note of his comic performance. That's how you do comedy, not sidetrack us from the plot! Mirchi Siva is good but is limited. But his spoof on Serial acting is class. Vaibhav is good and his interaction with Premji is the highlight. Prakash Raj hams the usual while Malayalam actor, Jayaram seems to be only doing Villian roles after DHAAM DHOOM and trust me, he looks awkward doing it. But this isn't the first time since he was the villian in THENALI (1999). Vega hams as well but it's Kajal Agrawal that disappoints the most as she serves NO PURPOSE in the film. The cameos by the Chennai 28 team was a nice touch and good to see them again.

Overall, Saroja is an average film that's worth a look.

Rating: ***

More Mentalkanth jokes....

Outer space exists because it's afraid to be on the same planet with Rajnikant

Rajnikant has counted to infinity - twice.

When Rajnikant does a pushup. He isn't lifting himself up, he's pushing earth down.

Rajnikant is so fast, he can run around the world and punch himself in the back of the head.

Rajnikant doesn't wear a watch, HE decides what time it is.

Rajnikant can slam a revolving door.

Rajnikant gave Mona Lisa that smile.

Rajnikant's house has no doors, only walls that he walks through.

Rajnikant grinds his coffee with his teeth and boiled the water with his own rage.

If you Google Search 'Rajnikant getting kicked'. you will generate zero results. It just doesn't happen.

It takes Rajnikant 20 minutes to watch 60 Minutes.

The Bermuda Triangle used to be the Bermuda Square, until Rajnikant kicked one of the corners off.

There are no weapons of mass destruction in Iraq; Rajnikant lives in Chennai.

Rajnikant once ate and entire bottle of sleeping pills. They made him blink.

The only things that run faster and longer than Rajnikant are his films.

Rajnikant's every step creates a mini whirlwind. Hurricane Katrina was the result of a morning jog.

Where there is a will, there is a way. Where there is Rajnikant, there is no other way.

UPDATE: And more...for your enjoyment!
===
1. Rajni keeps himself entertained out of concern for the public. If he gets bored, he'd yawn and the last time he yawned, it caused a tsunami.

2. Legend has it that Rajni was once a certainty in the Indian cricket team. As a bowler, Rajni usually needed 10 deliveries to finish the game. Owing to monotony, he retired from cricket as a 12 year old.

3. Tamil Nadu was dry one summer. Poor monsoons had resulted in a drought. But then this was only until Rajni sneezed! Bless him!

4. Wachowski brothers approached Rajni for "The Matrix". But Rajni was looking for more action.

5. In his younger days, Rajni ran the 100 mts in 6.7 seconds. He decided to participate in the Olympics only after another athelete broke the 7 second mark.

Well wait, Picture abhi baaki hai...

Here is an interesting new story.

Rajinikanth was bragging to Jayalalitha one day, "I know everyone there is to know.
Just name someone, anyone, and I know them."

Tired of his boasting, Jayalalitha called his bluff, "OK, Rajini how about Tom Cruise?"

"Sure, yes, Tom and I are old friends, and I can prove it" Rajini said.

So Rajini and Jayalalitha fly out to Hollywood and knock on Tom Cruise's door, and sure enough, Tom Cruise shouts"Wassup! Great to see you! You and your friend come right in and join me for lunch!".

Although impressed, Jayalalitha is still skeptical.

After they leave Cruise's house, she tells Rajini that she thinks Rajini knowing Cruise was just lucky.
"No no, just name anyone else" Rajini says.
"President Bush", Jayalalitha quickly retorts.

"Yes", Rajini says, "I know him, let's fly out to Washington".
And off they go. At the White House, Bush spots Rajini on the tour and motions him , saying,"Rajini, what a surprise, I was just on my way to a meeting, but you and your friend come on in and let's have a cup of coffee first and catch up".

Well, Jayalalitha is very shaken by now, but still not totally convinced.After they leave the White House grounds, he implores her to name anyone else.

"The Pope," Jayalalitha replies.

"Sure!" says Rajini, "My folks are from Germany and I've known the Pope a long time".
So off they fly to Rome. Rajini and Jayalalitha are assembled with the masses in Vatican Square when Rajini says, "This will never work. I can't catch the Pope's eye among all these people.Tell you what, I know all the guards so let me just go upstairs and I'll come out on the balcony with the Pope." And he disappears into the crowd headed toward the Vatican.

Sure enough, half an hour later Rajini emerges with the Pope on the balcony..
But by the time Rajini returns, he finds that Jayalalitha had a Heart attack and is surrounded by paramedics.Working his way to Jayalalitha's side, Rajini asks her, "What happened?" Jayalalitha looks up and says, "I was doing fine until you and the Pope came out on the balcony and the man next to me said,
'Who's that on the balcony with Rajini?' "

So dear folks, if you ever get the pleasure of serving Rajni a cup of coffee, see to it that it is clear of any seeds. Grind it!
And if you know of any other urban legends about Rajni, then post a comment here. Find It!

But always remember, never say never when you talk of Rajni(oops! I've used "never" twice in this sentence). Mind It!

Enthiran also begs for Apology

Response to Shankar's Endiran...

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. In this case, the picture is worth a thousand deaths to rajni fans. Seems that the public is getting smarter post Kuselan. I would call it, the DASA effect being at work.

Kuselan the loss (For you non believers...)

Thanks to Sandiyar Karan for the information. Quoting directly from him:

"YES EVEN BIGGER THAN THE DISASTERS THAT WERE NATUKKU ORU NALLAVAN & BABA"

Kusu on August 1st, 2008!

http://lh3.ggpht.com/Karthick291081/SLdTfeFWjfI/AAAAAAAAAe4/juCg8_NWhrg/1.jpg

(21 Theaters in Chennai)

Kusu's SAD (HAPPY FOR US) State in just 28 Days...that is August 29th, 2008!

http://lh4.ggpht.com/Karthick291081/SLdTfiGm7JI/AAAAAAAAAfA/M8DEWH2tvD8/2.jpg

Makkala NAMBA, 9THARA MINI-SKIRTA MATTUM NAMBI "BITU-A" PADAM EDUTHA ITHANDA GETHI MENTAL BAADU! POLI SAMIYAR VESHATHUL OORAI EMATHUM MAAMIYARE!

ULAGA SARITHIRATHIL MUTHAL MUTHALAGA THIRAIKKU VANTHA SILA NATKALAILE.....UNGAL KUPPA THOTTIYIN PAKKATHIL IRRUKKUM KAKKOOSIL "SUPER TOILET CLEANER MENTAL KANTH NADIKKUM KUSU (SUBTITLE:FART)! KAANA THAVRATHIRGAL, ANAIVARUM DETTOL udan VARUGA.....VAZHTHUGA.

Coming Soon: "THE MAKING OF FART" A FILM BY SOUNDARYA MENTALKANTH. TRUE STORY OF HOW A STINKING FART IS MADE WITH CHEAP SPECIAL EFFECTS & REAL BODY SOUND EFFECTS! DO NOT MISS IT..... P.S. IT'S MORE LIKE 2 THEATERS, BECAUSE E-OTTURA SHANTHI THEATER ELLAM NAAMA KANUKILLAYA EDUKKA KOODATHU.

Pack up Rajni, your time has ended. Go join politics or something and fill in the missing void of MGR if you must. Leave the audience to Kamal and his ventures. Satyanarayana (head of the Rajini fanclub) get a life, start living and give up on Mental's fanbase. We'll save you the humilliation.

Critics on Kamal and Rajni --An Allusion

Someone in orkut pointed out this quote, take a look,

If brilliant student scores 90% definitely he'll be scolded or beaten by his teachers; its not because of jealous but to make him to achieve 100%.

At the same time, the dumb fellows will not get any comments / scoldings; because teachers know, anyway, this dumb guy will not develop himself; why to waste our energy.

Now modify it with the right words,

If Kamal Hassan scores 90% definitely he'll be scolded or beaten by his critics; its not because of jealous but to make him to achieve 100%.

At the same time, Rajnikanth will not get any comments / scoldings; because critics know, anyway, this Rajnikanth will not develop himself; why to waste our energy.

Ithu Eppadi Iruku?

The Media verses Rajnikanth

At last, it became too good to be true. The media has finally seen the truth in light. Post the colossal flop of Rajnikanth's latest release, Kuselan, media reports are spitting at the so-called "Superstar" for choosing such a film. Now, he's more like a "Sooprastar." Here are the following detail reports from some of the biased sites that have supported Kanth's earlier films.

From Sify.com (aka Moviebuzz),

Has Rajinikanth's Kuselan bombed at the box-office? The distributors of the film have approached Pyramid Saimira who marketed it for a reimbursement of their losses. The film which released on August 1 carried mixed reports from day one.

By day two of its release, in NSC area the number of shows was reduced, as it was released in too many screens. The fans did not like the film, and the family audience kept away due to vulgar comedy scene of Vadivel.

The film just did not take an opening that one associates with a Rajinikanth film. On Monday, the film crashed by more than 50 percent. At the end of the first week in multiplexes like Sathyam cinemas, it was moved from bigger screen to smaller ones, and number of shows reduced.

No Rajinikanth films in modern times have taken such a poor opening. The trade blames Rajinikanth, director P.Vasu and producers K.Balachandar, G.P Vijayakumar, and Aswini Dutt for this fiasco.

Vasu diluted the essential spirit of the original (Katha Parayumbol) by introducing scenes and characters which were not there in the original.

The producer's piggy- back rode on Rajinikanth's larger than life image and sold it to Pyramid Saimira for Rs 60 crore, when they knew very well that he was only doing a special appearance.

Why did Rajinikanth after initially saying that he is there for only 25 percent of the film agree to keep a studious silence when the film was sold to PS as a full fledged superstar film like a Sivaji or Chandramukhi?

It lends credence to the story in the trade that he became greedy when he saw big money being traded on his name.

Anyway, coming back to the basic facts touted by the industry on why Kuselan was not appreciated by neither his fans, the youth nor his traditional family audiences.

* First and foremost Rajinikanth is a prisoner of his larger than life image. He cannot make a film run without his usual gimmicks- Punchline, clean comedy, subtle romance, sentiments and above all he needs a villain to fight him. These elements were missing in Kuselan

* The trade believes that the producers should not have gone against the industry sentiments of releasing the film during 'Aadi' month of August. Remember quite a few Rajinikanth films released in the month of August like the most famous of them Baba had bombed in the past!

* S.P Balasubramaniyam used to sing the superstar's introduction song which has a message that goes with his image. Who can forget SPB- Rajini magic songs, En Peru Padayappa… (Padayappa),Oruvan Oruvaan …(Muthu) , Bellellakka, Bellellakka… (Sivaji), Devuda, Devuda… (Chandramukhi)? In Kuselan the Cinema, Cinema… introductory number was sung by Shankar Mahadevan. Last time when he sung for Rajini Dippu, Dippu… in Baba, everybody knows what happened!

* The superstar does not require the glamour of Nayanthara and the crass and crude comedy of Vadivel to sell his films. The big mistake the director made was to include these scenes in the film.

* Finally, the industry believes that stories of cinema within cinema have never clicked in Kollywood.

The Moral of the story- Never tamper with an original script that has worked wonders in another south Indian language. And the superstar should only do one film in two years, where he is there throughout from the opening scene to the end titles!

From Rediff.com

Rajnikanth's Kuselan, which released on August 1, got a lukewarm response, to put it politely.

The crowds may be present but not in numbers that you would expect from a Rajnikanth [Images] film. Die-hard fans and Rajni loyalists have not let down their hero but people have not come in droves either.

A representative from Pyriamid Saimira, which distributed Kuselan [Images], admits that the film has not broken even yet. But they are optimistic that it will pick up. "The Malayalam movie, on which this is based, picked up only in the third week. We hope it happens here too," he said.

He added that the film was doing steady business during the week and good business during the weekends. "But it is not as big a hit as Sivaji: The Boss." It is doing reasonable well in the cities but badly in the rural areas.

The film is 'doing okay' in the United States and Malaysia, where Pyramid released the movie directly. Since they have sold the movie rights to the other parts of the world, they could not tell us how it's faring in other places.

"The fans have come. But to make it a hit, the families have to come. We hope that it will pick up in the next week," the representative said.

Add in Priyadarshan's panning against Kuselan for being a crass and superstar version of katha parayumbol. Also reported here by Sify.

From Times of India

Times of India on Kusu's failure

Is Rajinikanth’s P Vasu directed Kuselan turning out to be a damp squib at the box-office?

Once again the month of August, the dreaded Aadi period, is proving to be inauspicious for superstar Rajinikanth. In August 2002, he released his home production Baba, which bombed badly. Now six years later, he has done Kuselan for his guru K Balachandar’s Kavithalaaya in association with GP Vijayakumar’s Seven Arts.

The film, which released on August 1, with all hype and hoopla has taken only a lukewarm opening worldwide. On day-two of its release, tickets were available in almost all theatres across Tamil Nadu and carried mixed reports. On Monday the fourth day, there was a huge drop of 50 percent in collections, something which did not happen to even Baba!

In Chennai and its suburbs, the film opened in too many screens and suffered, as you could walk in and buy tickets for any show, even at prestigious Sathyam Cinemas, Inox and Mayajaal. And by the end of the first week, the film was shifted to smaller screens in multiplexes and number of shows reduced across the state. And in the US where Rajini is king, on day two of its release, ticket rates were slashed from $15 to $10. It was something that has never happened to the emperor of opening — Rajinikanth. The panic buttons have been pressed by the films distributors and theatre owners who had paid very high Minimum Guarantee (MG), and are now demanding a 50 percent pay back from Pyramid Saimira, who marketed the film.

The distributors and theatre owners are blaming Rajinikanth and the producers for this fiasco. On conditions of anonymity, a leading financier and distributor who has distributed many Rajinikanth films said: “The basic trouble with Kuselan is that it is not a typical larger- than-life Rajinikanth film, like a Sivaji or a Chandramukhi. The fans felt cheated and there were no repeat audiences for the film, making the opening weak. All of us in the trade were taken for a ride.”

Saimira or Rajinikanth will compensate the distributors and theatres their losses. There is precedence as the superstar had compensated the trade after the Baba debacle, as he was the producer of the film.

When contacted Pyramid Saimira’s chairman and managing director PS Saminathan said, “As of now, Kuselan is a hit. The fate of a film how big it is can be known only after 10 days of its release. The film has collected Rs 20 crore at the box-office till now. It’s too early to tell, but we expect it to make decent profits.” He pooh poohed observations of the film being a flop. Saminathan concluded by saying: “Kuselan is not an action-oriented film. The film has no villain, no styles that are usually associated with Superstar Rajinikanth. This film focuses on family viewing and I think it will work

Toss in the famous tamil magazines giving a big slap to Sooprastar in the form of scans:

Kumudam (Aug 13, 2008) - Letter To Rajni By Gnani
Page 1 - http://i34.tinypic.com/1y0so6.jpg
Page 2 & 3 - http://i33.tinypic.com/286wxhc.jpg
Page 4 - http://i38.tinypic.com/21bvdd4.jpg
Page 5 - http://i33.tinypic.com/2rcucfs.jpg

Kungumam(Aug 14, 2008) - Director Seeman Questions Rajni
Page114 & 115 - http://i34.tinypic.com/2yvt45l.jpg
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Nakkheeran(Aug 06, 2008) - Rajni Apologized Is Right?
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Junior Vikatan (Aug 10, 2008) Rajni You are acting WELL
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Real Moral of the Story: Rajnikanth can't act for nuts thanks to his stupid fanbase. They will always take him for a joyride and he will never know the means of acting every again. May this Kuselan continue with him for the rest of his movie career. I hope Shankar's Robot is the biggest flop in the history of tamil cinema next to this and Baba. Nanna Vernum! Can't fool the audiences anymore huh Mental kanth?

Priyan explains it all...

Following the mega-flop of Kuselan (Don't believe what the mental fans (ala rajni fans) or what the rajni-biased sites, behindwoods, sify, etc. say. We have proof over at the Universal Hero Kamal Hassan Community.) Priyan clarifies on Billo Barber, the dubbed Kuselan, and of course, his punch dialogue.

Source: Indiafm.com

Kuselan, the Tamil version of the Malayalam superhit Katha Parayumpol, about the relationship between a cine-superstar and a village barber, has made it to the top of the box-office charts*.

But Priyadarshan who's frantically trying to finish the Hindi version with SRK is unperturbed. "We'd have wrapped up Billoo Barber much earlier. But Shah Rukh got busy with the IPL. Never mind. It makes no difference to our film."

Priyan says the original Malayalam film which was written by his assistant Sreenivasan is very different from both Kuselan and Billoo Barber. "Sreenivasan gave the Tamil rights to the producers after consulting me. Since they were very keen to make it with Rajnikanth, we relented. But the contract clearly says that Kuselan cannot be dubbed into any other language. Likewise, my Hindi version cannot be dubbed by producer SRK in any other language except the parent lingo, Hindi. We clearly put all this under contract to avoid the kind of overlapping that was attempted when I remade the Malayalam film Manichithrathzu as Bhool Bhulaiyaa in Hindi, and Rajni's Tamil film Chandramukhi, from the same source was also attempted to be released in a dubbed Hindi version. I'll avoid this kind of a clash of interests at any cost."

But the question is, would the contract prevent the makers of Kuselan from finding loopholes in the agreement to release the film in a dubbed Hindi version? And if they do would it effect Billoo Barber? According to a source a dubbed Hindi version of Kuselan is being released around the same time as Billoo Barber. "Not at all," asserts Priyan confidently. "Only the climax of Kuselan and Billoo Barber are the same. Otherwise they are two different films. See, like all Rajnkanth starrers, Kuselan has been made to spotlight Rajni as a larger-than-life icon. I believe he enters the film riding a winged horse. Though my film also stars a superstar SRK as a superstar, I've nowhere tried to increase his role or heighten the impact of his presence. I'm not that kind of a filmmaker. In Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Akshay Kumar made his entry at interval point. I'm making it very clear that Irrfan Khan and not Shah Rukh has the main role in Billoo Barber. My film isn't a platform to glorify the mega-star," chuckles Priyan making a dig at the first-frame-to-last presence of Rajnikanth in Kuselan.

Billoo Barber opens in Diwali. "If I wanted I could've rushed the release. But we're not in competition with anyone. And like I said, the Kuselan makers are bound by contract. They can't dub the film into Hindi or any other language," says Priyan confidently.

* This is purely false. CNN IBN proves it.

Nethi aadi to P.Vasu and to the Kuselan crew.

Kuselan - The Biggest Flop in Rajni's career

Rajnikanth has lost it once again.

Following my review from Thursday show, trade analyists are reporting that his latest release, Kuselan, has opened to a dismal 40-50% all over Tamil Nadu. This is indeed a huge shocker in comparison to Sottaji and Chappamukhi, Kanth's earlier releases back in 2007 and 2005 respectively.

A remake of Malayalam Blockbuster, Katha Parayumbol, the film had first been noticed by the people thanks to the marketer's poor planning. First and foremost, the film had not stuck to Sreenivasan's script as it was only revolved around Rajni and Rajni only. In the original, Mammooty's role was short and sweet and didn't involve any questions or punch dialogues regarding his life on politics, cinema, etc. Also, the film was to be about Pasupati (Sreenivasan in the original) and his struggles, not mindless songs by G.V Prakash about Cinema Cinema, etc. That's where the theme is lost. But then again, it's Tamil Nadu, where part of it's population highly regards of Rajni as their god, but really, he isn't.

Toss in the Begging to put all ends to the Hogenakkal controversy by kanth himself and there you end up with red faces in the form of the Nadigar Sangam. At the same time, Mixed reports are coming in from all centres (including it's Telugu version, Katha Nayakudu) saying that Rajni disappoints big time while some fans of the original are saying that

The original version was with some emotional touch. It was from "Srinivasan "point of view..not mammotty..but here ..[they] added masala.. like anythng .spoiled the core point of the movie..sucks to [the] Core..

In the meantime, Kamal Hassan's Dasavathaaram had celebrated it's 50 days of release yesterday with it's increase in shows yesterdays in the likes of theaters Sathyam, Mayajaal over Kuselan's shows. At the same time, the advance bookings were purely empty

Bottom line: Sivaji may have become the biggest hit but Kuselan is becoming the biggest flop. This is P.Vasu's next flop in a roll after Thottal Poo Malarum, Krishnaarjuna (with Nagarjuna as Guest Role, irony!) and Maharadhi (with joker star, Balakrishna).

Kooselan Empty seats @ Mayajal First day

Mayajal Aug 1 (First Day ) shows - EMPTY SEATS

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AUG 4 - 100% empty shows of Kuselan @ MAYAJAL

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Kuselan Review - More like KuSTALEan...

As predicted, Vasu has got it all wrong. In fact, the film should be titled, KuSTALEan because it's nothing more than a stale remake of Katha Parayumbol. In fact, this kushu is punchless. Here Vasu kollafied it to make it as a intelligent-less film. The original had full of satires towards people who get too close to a superstar, here, it's too formal and lacks the beauty.

And as also predicted, Nayantara served NO PURPOSE in the film. Songs weren't needed (original had one on mammooty and one satire song on sreeni, here the ratio is off: 3 for Rajni, 1 for Kuppatara, one for pasupati, the short end of the stick.)

But if you really must watch the film, watch it for pasupathi, he gives more than what the script requires (as seen in Virumandi and the acclaimed, Veyil). Rajni passes muster and his extension was not needed. Same goes for Meena. She's changed alot in her acting since her early days. These guys are the most underrated actors and still the mentals known as rajni and vasu spread word that it's a rajni film is nothing but a big insult. Yet, it sure spread massive orgasms to kanth's incompetent fanbase.

There was alot of superstar-isms that crossed way over the line (a lot more than what mammooty got in the original.) Too many superstar-isms spoil the movie, that says alot. Oh and those who say Livingstone's act was great, to me: eh? it was a blink and miss. Ditto goes for Prabhu and the others

G.V Prakash was always termed as a poor man's ARR. Barring his superhit albums of Kireedom and Pollathavan, Kuselan lacks any good songs. Daler Mehindi seems to get tamil mixex with punjabi. Others seem like rehashes from veyil and his mamu's bombay.

As I've said time and before, had prakash raj bought rights to this film, the film would've been left untouched. But apparently, Vasu was playing with fire and eventually, the fire spread, leading to deaths, including those who are fans of the origin. Mr. Sreenivasan, I'll forgive you for the mistake that you commited. If Chandramukhi killed the complete first half of Manchitranazhu, you can expect pretty much the same for Kuselan.

So in short, Rajnikanth was unneeded for the film, nor were the additional cast members. It's like if P.Vasu were to remake Dasavathaaram 10 years from now, he would kill of all of the intelligence wrapped up in the film and butcher it for the apparent and dumbfounded tamil audience. Then of course, there wouldn't be any critics slamming the film because there's no story. "Well of course there's story, but we wanted to see needless matrix action or rajni dumb's dialogues!" Now the latest is that Vasu's going to kollafly Shahrukh's Baazigar, the movie that gained him mass stardom for his stupid son, Shakthi in tamil. I can see it now, the climax will have shakthi living and instead the heroine will be nayan doing kajol's role.

So in short, go watch katha parayumbol (dvd's due for a release later this year) of course, if you're too dumb to actually understand the context, go watch this trash.

Rating: *

Rating: *

You know it's Rajni (ala Mental Kanth) if....

Found this off the Orkut blogging community. Real Genius and so true.
Source: http://mentalfans.blogspot.com/
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You want to know who is mentalkanth. …here are the facts

kanth makes onions crykanth

Ghosts are actually caused by kanth killing people faster than Death can process them.

kanth can build a snowman….. out of rain.

kanth can strangle you with a cordless phone.

kanth can drown a fish.

When kanth enters a room, he doesn't turn the lights on,……… …. he turns the dark off.

When kanth looks in a mirror the mirror shatters, because not even glass is stupid enough to get in between kanth and kanth.

Brett Favre can throw a football over 50 yards. Kanth can throw Brett Favre even further.The last digit of pi is Kanth.

Kanth is the end of all things.

Kanth does not know where you live, but he knows where you will die.

Bullets dodge Kanth.

A Handicap parking sign does not signify that this spot is for handicapped people. It is actually in fact a warning, that the spot belongs to kanth and that you will be handicapped if you park there.

Kanth' calendar goes straight from March 31st to April 2nd, no one fools kanth.

If you spell Kanth wrong on Google it doesn't say, "Did you mean Kanth?" It simply replies, "Run while you still have the chance.

"Kanth can do a wheelie on a unicycle.Once a cobra bit Kanth' leg. After five days of excruciating pain, the cobra died.

When Kanth gives you the finger, he's telling you how many seconds you have left to live.
Kanth can kill two stones with one bird.

Kanth was once on Celebrity Wheel of Fortune and was the first to spin. The next 29 minutes of the show consisted of everyone standing around awkwardly, waiting for the wheel to stop.

Leading hand sanitizers claim they can kill 99.9 percent of germs. Kanth can kill 100 percent of whatever he wants.

There is no such thing as global warming. Kanth was cold, so he turned the sun up. Kanth can set ants on fire with a magnifying glass at night.

Kanth has a deep and abiding respect for human life… unless it gets in his way.It takes kanth 20 minutes to watch 60 Minutes.

Kanth once shot down a German fighter plane with his finger, by yelling, "Bang!"

In an average living room there are 1,242 objects kanth could use to kill you, including the room itself.

Behind every successful man, there is a woman. Behind every dead man, there is Kanth.

Kanth destroyed the periodic table, because Kanth only recognizes the element of surprise.

Kanth got his drivers license at the age of 16 Seconds.

With the rising cost of gasoline, Kanth is beginning to worry about his drinking habit.

The square root of Kanth is pain.

Do not try to square Kanth, the result is death.

When you say "no one's perfect", Kanth takes this as a personal insult.

Stars and their build-ups.

http://sify.com/movies/tamil/fullstory.php?id=14707557

Apparently, as I reported yesterday even Pasupati finds it very disturbing. Even Behindwoods.com reported that Kuppathara also didn't show up to the audio function. Either it's a shooting episode for both or media is making up crap as usual. But still, it hurts, even for a good talent like Pasupati.

Why Kuselan will lack everything Katha Parayumbol had accomplished.

Mr. Srinivasan, Mr Mohanan, Producer Mukesh, I must ask you all this very question. Why? Why in god's name did you sell rights to Mr. P.Vasu of Tamil Cinema? Why? You've all just committed one grave sin: Butchering.

Okay, so butchering isn't a sin. But then again what is? I'm talking about your latest cult blockbuster my friend. Yes, Katha Parayumbol, which is due for a DVD release by this summer as many Malayalam hits of last year have been popping up the shelves in my local indian store. As a recent avid watcher of your films Mr. Srinivasan, I happened to love your Udhayananu Thaaram, Arabikatha, and of course your comedic work with Sathyan's classic hit, the Nadodikattu series.

Coming to my point, the fact that Mr Rajnikanth had seen your latest work was fine. But my biggest problem is the alteration of his story to Tamil as Kuselan. As you know, Rajni is to what Chiranjeevi is to Andhra is to Bachchan is to Mumbai (you get the point). Director P.Vasu is a very known face to tamil cinema. You see, his hits with Rajni were basis from either Malayalam hits or other regional languages. Most of them contain Rajniisms that could ridicule those who are not incompetent. Take Sivaji the boss for example. What did we smart people learn from that movie? Bilkull Zero. Nada. Nothing. It was Director Shankar's work that was a big egg on the audience's faces. He was taking us for granted. I understand people watch movies for entertainment, but for god's sake give us something different. Don't give us Rajni recyclers that we all remember uttering to our family get togethers for years now. That done-to-death Padayappa greeting, that Baasha confrontation scene, you name them.

Back to P.Vasu's issue. You might all remember, Chandramukhi 3 years ago that stormed BO during our Tamil New Year. After seeing the film, I was utterly disappointed. Because as it's based off another Malayalam cult hit, Manchitranazhu, this Rajni film was NOWHERE near that greatness of telling a story. Chandramukhi was P.Vasu's way of saying, "the story is shit, but if we put Rajni, here, here and here. Take away the side character's importance that was made in the original, add in the bullet time matrix effects, pop in songs randomly and presto! Chandramukhi is born!" Then when Bhool Bhulaiyaa came, I was heavily relieved. At least Priyadarshan sticks to the script correctly. I can call him a filmmaker but P.Vasu? Nope, he's a cheater, a big cheater.

Now regarding Kuselan. Here's the changes. One, Rajni's guest spot is extended to 1 hour. 1 freaking hour! Two, some of the characters have been either eliminated or changed. In Vasu's case, it's repeat the cast of Chandramukhi minus Jothika (she couldn't act for nuts dude!) Three, why the hell have Nayanthara added to the cast? Because in Billa, she was partially naked for 1 filthy no point scene! (see review for details). She's looks ugly and has no talent, then again do all heroines have it? You decide. Four, the songs. Surely, I admired the songs work Katha Parayumbol had. 2 songs is good enough for me. But in P.Vasu and G.V Prakash's case, we need 5. 1 being an Om Shanti Om ripoff song, 1 being a Nayanthara intro and 2 being a Rajni tribute song and the last being 1/8th truthful to the original. I could go on and on about these changes but my point is....the motto or moral of the story is LOST! Completely lost.

Chandramukhi had Rajni throughout the whole film whereas in BB and Manichitranazhu, Akshay Kumar and Mohanlal come in interval as if Priyan and Fazil were telling us a great story. Vasu was basically saying, "Watch Rajni, who needs story when he's around. Oh yeah and raa raa crap". I swear, if it weren't for those trashy Rajni fans whining in the first place and Vasu's carelessness of spoiling of the better films in the film industry, I could appreciate it a bit more. Then again, Vellitherai (a remake of Srini's Udhayananu Thaaram earlier released this year) was average and a punchless satire. But at least you [Katha Parayumbol team] could have sold the rights to Mr. Prakash Raj of Duet Films. He at least treats Cinema like it should be. His past hits like Azhagiya Theeye and Mozhi are more proof of excellent movies. Pasupathi could've played barber while Prakash Raj played the Superstar. That's good casting.

So in closing, I have nothing more to say but I will avoid Kuselan at all costs. Vasu has failed me with his past films, including chandramukhi, I don't have a reason to watch your story get butchered in tamil. At least Priyadarshan is taking it in hindi without any hinderance to the original (including two item numbers, the last thing I need.) But at least he's got it right with Irfan Khan as Barber and Shah Rukh playing Superstar. I will watch that and the original. I think I'll go watch Dasavathaaram. At least I know there's a really good movie with a great message.

KUSELAN MUSIC REVIEW (2008)

KUSELAN MUSIC REVIEW (2008)

Cinema Cinema is too much a blantant copy of Rahman's Mudhalvane chorus backdrop but Mahadevan passes muster in this "Devuda Devuda copy" track.

Sollamma comes to a great relief as it mirrors Hariharan's lullaby vocals supported aptly by the kids. Brings a lot of comparison to Rahman's Indira tracks and Bombay's "Kuchi Kuchi Rakamma" back in the early-mid 90s.

Om Zazare seems to be a pale comparision to DASAVATHAARAM's "Ulaga Nayagane". Oh and this is that supposidly Om Shanti Om rip off track where a dozen of stars appear. But why the lame "Vaaji Vaaji" tune rip off. But Daler does okay for his first tamil song.

Nice to hear goshal sooth her way through Chaaral along with the junior singers.

Perinba has Kailash Kher (After debuting with Bheema's Rangu Rangamma) and the over-the-top lyrics. Toss in the tune from Nayak's "Rukhi Soni Roti" and
presto!

G.V Prakash has done well but really, Katha Parayumbol had 2 tracks, a satircal comic song, which Kuselan lacks, and a Mammooty track featuring is film song sequence, which Kuselan contains TOO MUCH of (Om Zazare, Cinema, Perinba)Besides Sollamma and Chaaral, Kuselan is only for the fans only. I fear worst for the remake as the original had a message-driven soundtrack, whereas here, it's sounds forced to be a commercial entertainer like SIVAJI.

Rating: **

DASAVATHAARAM (2008) MOVIE REVIEW [TAMIL]

Finally! After 2 years of patience and various hurdles across several controversies, this Kamal Hassan magnus opus finally arrived at theaters this past weekend here in Loehmann's Plaza. Any blemishes? While the Telugu version got a nice theater where English movies are screened, we get the trashy kachra like place that was dripping throughout the whole film. But never mind that, let's get onto the review.

Several questions must be boggling for those who haven't seen the film yet. 1) The film lives up to expectations. 2) The songs were placed well into the film. 3) All the avatars got equal scope. 4) Kamal the writer has done an excellent job of mixing the Chaos theory for the first time in Tamil Cinema.

Comparing DASAVATHAARAM to last year's surprise blockbuster SIVAJI - THE BOSS is like comparing a tsunami to a small boat. Once the film has concluded, you could only imagine that no one but the great Kamal Hassan could don 10 avatars in a 2.46 hours flick. That too directed by K.S Ravikumar, who's given 3 back-to-back hits with Hassan, AVVAI SHANMUGHI (1997, also remade in hindi as CHACHI 420 by Hassan himself), THENALI (2000), and PANCHATHANTHIRAM (2002). In fact, the screenplay deserves applause and appreciation as Kamal, the writer decided to go out of the box and weave the story around the events of the 2004 Indo - Tsunami event. Tamil Screenwriters and Directors, please take note from Hassan, you might even save the number the flops that you're experience right now (aside from ANJATHEY, SANTHOSH SUBRAMANIAN, YARADI NEE MOHINI, which are currently the only hits from the beginning of the year.) Even the great S.Shankar could learn how to place his obsession of graphics properly by viewing this filmand maybe give us a fresh kahani (kathai, ala a new story besides a cliched corruption episode?)

Here's the story: We are taken to the 12 century as mentioned in several news sites had mentioned prior to the film's release. Rangarajan Nambi (Hassan 1) is a devotee of Lord Vishnu who is sentenced to his death along the magnus Vishnu Idol under the reins of King Chola (Napolean) and a big sacrificeto his wife, Kothai (Asin 1). Fast-forward to present-era, Scientist Govind Ramaswamy (Hassan 2) discovers a chemical bio veil that could potentially help or destroy the world in his lab. But whenhis corrupt bosses and employees are behind the schemes of the ex-CIA Christian Fletcher (Hassan 3),events surrounding the veil lead to deaths of his co-worker's wife, Yuka, and his sneak-in into a flight to India. At Chennai Airport, he is arrested by Andhra CBI, Balram Naidu (Hassan 4, a comic relief character) in which misunderstandings occur and at the same place, famous Singer Avtaar Singh (Hassan 5, strangely enough can speak kocha tamil!) encounters blood cancer while his wife Ranjitha (Jayaprada) witnesses. Once Fletcher catches upto Govind in India along with his translator Jasmine (Malika Sherawat), a chaotic chase ends up in Chidabaram, where Andal (Asin 2) and an old lady, Krishnaveni Paati (Hassan 6), ends up witht the deadly vial and a chase involving a goddes idol, an encounter with Kalifullah Khan (Hassan 7), Vincent Poovaraghan (Hassan 8), Yuka's brother, Shinghen (Hassan 9), and in the end concludes with our president George W Bush (Hassan 10, phew!)

The story is excellent and contrary to laymen sites in the likes of Sify.com, Behindwoods.com,who are strongly biased towards Rajnikanth films (Just look at their verdicts for the heavily-cliched Sivaji - the Boss) there is nothing COMPLICATED in this film. The critics from those sites either can't take the intelligence woven around the screenplay or rather are dumbfounded. I think both. The Climax is the biggest highlight and I shall not say any more.

Music by Himesh Reshammiya is really good. In fact, post the Audio release, I've played the music several times during my workouts and in my sleep. So really all the songs are catchy. Devi Sri Prasad's Background score fits the bill well.

Again and again, Kamal Hassan deserves applause, merits, and max kudos for bringing something different to the Tamil and Telugu audience. Unlike SIVAJI - THE BOSS, I didn't have to sleep during the film because of the boring screenplay, I simply loved DASA's story. Asin also deserives praise for speaking in Iyengar tamil because frankly, that's no less of an achievement. Mallika Sherawat's role is limited but she also does her part well. M.S Bhasker makes a good comedian, unlike the likesof Vivek and Vadivelu. Nagesh, K.R Vijaya, Sunderajan, and P.Vasu do their parts well.

On the whole, DASAVATHAARAM will create new records while beating the other biggie, SIVAJI THE BOSS. The film ought to be watched multiple times and it's definetly worth a price of a ticket. Expect the Hindi version to be release later this year.

Rating: ****.5/5

DASHAVTAR [DASAVATHARAM ] (2008) MUSIC REVIEW

Wow, It's 2008, and I barely have Music reviews up. You can thank the lack of
music releases up until this magnus opus, DASHAVTAR [DASAVATHARAM in Tamil, review to
come later] is the latest Kamal Hassan film, a film that's been 2 years in the making. No, it's not directed by Shankar but "Avvai Shanmughi, Tenali and Panchathantiram favorite, K.S Ravikumar. Incidently, Both Kamal and Ravikumar come together after a gap of 6 years.

However, compared to Shankar's films, this one is penned by our Log Nayak (Roughly translated: Ulaga Nayakan, or Universal Hero.) The CD had come with a story regarding it's backdrop set in the 12th Century, Scientific Crisis, Terrorism, Religion, Politics all rolled into one.What's the real story? Well wait and watch for the film then. But this post ain't about the film, it's about the Audio review by Bollywood composer, Himesh Reshamiya. A composer with several hits to his credit, he enters the Kollywood with his style. Reviews were bouncing back and forth criticizing his style but to me, in lieu of the norm music that Tamil Cinema's been giving (Where's Ilayaraja when you need him!) Himesh does an excellent job at it. Media sites like Behindwoods and Rediff only praise Rahman because they are probabaly biased towards him no matter how crappy his "recent" Tamil music is.

Lyrics are by Sameer. Tamil was credited to Vaali and Vairumuthi

1. Duniya Ke Nayak Ho [Ulaga Nayakan in Tamil] (Come Dance with Me) -Vinit Singh (Credited as Vinith)
---Fantastic peppy number by Himesh. The singer is Vinit Singh (of SA RE GA MA PA CHALLENGE
2005 FAME) and he does an excellent job at it too. A great number describing the stuff on
Kamal!

2. Om Namo Narayan [Kallai Mattum Kandal in Tamil] - Hariharan
--- A 12th Century based number that's surely to be a winner among music lovers. Featuring Hari at his best, the song should be regarding Kamal's role as Nambi.

3. Oh Oh Sanam - Shaan/Mahalaksmi [Sung by Kamal Hassan in Tamil instead]
----Another pick of the album. This one should rank high as Kamal boogies as Avtar Singh, in this bhangra like number! A Remix version is also included too. The tamil
version had Himesh debuting in Tamil. Check that out too!

4. Mukunda - Kamal Hassan & Sadana Sargam [Same in Tamil]
----A devotional number towards Krishna, this one is where Kamal's the old lady. Watch out for his vocals!

5. Hey Black Ho ya White - Shalini Singh [Kaa Karpanakkum in Tamil]
---Pop Shalini makes her debut in Bollywood with this sensious peppy number setting up Mallika Sherawat in nightclubs at Malaysia. Recommend a couple of hearings to get it through your ears.

Overall, Himesh rocks with Dasa and all credit goes to Kamal Hassan for getting the best. Certainly the best album yet in the Tamil Market.

Rating: ****

Change...

As of this writing, I'm in the process of shifting over my blog under a new name. Yes you heard right. And this time, I will promote it via Orkut!

The new name will be placed under a new blog entitled, "The Desi Factor". No, I'm not going to be an ass like Bill O'Reilly's doing for Fox news, but anyways. Almost everyday, I'll be updating you with news regarding Kollywood and Bollywood and B.O status. Fans are free to comment, but this time, I'm moderating them. No biased remarks, no insults, no crap like that. Opinion as always is welcome. But just because I give my reviews doesn't mean that I'm a ____ fan. That's nothing but a cheap shot.

Anyways, just play nice. This blog will stay as an archive for past reviews. Of course, nothing's really good in theatres right now. My recent viewing of Kannammoochi Yenada will be up in the reviews in the new blog shortly. So really, enjoy this change.

Lates!

Billa (2007) Movie Review

It was Chandra Barot's DON with Amitabh Bachchan that set the screens on fire.

Nearly a decade later, Rajnikanth's BILLA stormed the box-office records and entitling him the SuperStar status.

Then came SRK-Farhan Akthar (Dil Chahta Hai, Lakshaya fame) version of the DON but with a slick and thirlling output. This one become part of the highest-grossing films in Bollywood back in 2006.

Now Ajith Kumar comes to "don" Rajni's role as BILLA 2007.

This Vishnuvardhan film (PATTIYAL FAME) is neither good, nor bad. It's plain average. Remaking a classic is one thing [look at RGV's AAG for instance], but making it to fit to the standards of today. In this case: Have mass star do tricks-add in glamour to distract viewers-fill in songs for duration and repeat. If you remember I had an article related towards SearchIndia Rehka's review on this film.

In the end, BILLA 2007 doesn't quite live up to expectations. It ends up giving you an average film. But more on that later (and this doesn't mean that I'm biased towards Bollywood or SRK or a "you must be a ____fan".)

BILLA (Ajith Kumar) is an underworld don who's trade is booming with illegal underground activities. With a team behind his back, BILLA succeeds in becoming the DCP's (Prabhu) and the Malaysian Police's most wanted criminal. Along the way, they encounter Sasha (Nayanthara), who joins Billa's gang to get revenge on Billa himself. A series of circumstances later forces Velu (Ajith in double role) to impersonate Billa and so on.

Let's talk about the pros and cons of this BILLA. For instance, Vishnuvardhan has basically copied scene-by-scene of Farhan's locations from the DON 2006 (the bridge confrontations, several city bazaars, downtown fights, etc.) Also the bulk portions of the film is really really dull.

Another problem with this BILLA is the half-baked characters. C.J and Sasha's roles become utterly useless and in the end become a damsel glamour contest. Also the lack of Arjun Rampal/Pran's character is gone, giving the film some more awkward moments. Added to that, the songs by Yuvan Shankar Raja aren't upto mark. Barring the remix of "My Name Is Billa", the rest of the songs are fast-forward variety and wasted. Anthony's Edits are loose. The highpoint of DON was the ultimate climax whether as here, it's mssing. Seems like Vishnu focussed on Ajith's character and Prabhu's character while getting carried away at the same time.

Ajith as Billa is okay but it's Ajith's Velu who's the best. But the actor needs to take care of his physique as major portions of the film has his pot-bellied ponch showing. Nayanthara and C.J are okay, nothing worth mentioning. Prabhu is highly competent. Rahman is average.

On the whole, BILLA is a so-so film.

Rating: *** (3/5)

[FLASHBACK REVIEW] Chithram (1988)

Recently, I've become an avid fan of Malayalam cinema. Films like Nadodikattu, Udhayananu Thaaram, Varavelpu, Thanmathra, Ramji Rao Speaking, The Tiger were all my personal favorites.

But I have happened to come across this film under a family friend's recommendation. Apparently, it's considered a cult classic in Kerala today thanks to the direction of Priyadarshan and Kerala's Megastar Mohanlal. Also co-starring Renjini, Nedumudi Venu, and Srinivasan, the film is a roller-coaster ride full of humor and sentiments.

Here goes the story: Kalyani (Renjini) lives with his uncle Kymal (Nedumudi Venu). Her father is currently working in the U.S and it's suggested that Kalyani should go to Ooty to get married. However, Kalyani declines as she's in love with someone (Suresh Gopi in Sp. Appearance). Down in Ooty, the villiager (Srinivasan) vows to be head-chief with this marriage but after hearing the news regarding Kalyani's wishes, he approves of her beau.

But things take a turn on the marriage registration day that Kalyani's beau declines to appear and at the same time, her father wants to make amends to her daughter by arriving in person. Stuck in soup, Kymal finds Vishnu (Mohanlal) and offers to pay a sum of 10,000 just to play husband to Kalyani for 15 days. What follows is a cat-mouse tale that leades to a stirring flashback and climax.

CHITHRAM succeeds in almost every aspect of a classic. The subtle comic touch in various scenes (Vishnu's alliances becoming relations, identity crisis, Kymal's excuses, money demands) all were touched upon superbly. The music by Kannur Rajan were nostalgic. The flashback song is one my personal favorites. But CHITHRAM also touches upon emotions as well. Vishnu's flashback is basically the rising action of the film, leading up to the climax. Clitches be damned, the movie was near perfect.

Now for the performances!

It's not a Priyadarshan film without the caliber of Mohanlal. Simply put: Brilliant. He makes us laugh when we want to laugh, he makes us cry when we want to cry. Give the guy a padma bhushan already! Renjini is competent. Nedumudi Venu as the Advocate uncle is excellent. Srinivasan brings down the house with his tounge-in-cheek humor.

CHITHRAM is highly recommended for those who want to enjoy cinema. Go for it.

Rating: ****.5 (4.5/5)

[Kolly Talk] Why Dhanush won't suit Venky's role?

Already his latest diwali release, Pollathavan won rave reviews and appreciation all over Tamil Nadu and the film's still going strong without any oppositions.

But now, everyone's talking about Dhanush's next release. Yes, I'm talking about him and Nayantara starring in "YARADI NEE MOHINI." A remake of his brother's first telugu blockbuster, "AADAVARI MATALAKU ARADHALU VERULE" with stars of Venkatesh, Trisha, Kota Srinivasa Rao, Tamil actor Srikanth (or Sriram as he's known in Andhra) and others. Recently, original DVDs of the film were out (with subtitles) and I got a chance to take a sneak peak of the telugu original for myself. Thought I would get a chance to see what to expect for the Tamil original (provided they don't change anything to "suit the images of tamil audience.") [SPOILER'S BELOW F.Y.I !]

The movie has shades of DDLJ but not entirely. First of all, Venky's character isn't a skirt chaser like SRK was. The movie isn't relatively close to it. The THEME of the movie is DDLJ but not ENTIRELY. Just wanted to clear up on that.

Now for the highlights of the film:

Kota and Venkatesh: Kota plays the stern father whom he and Ganesh (Venky's character) have a hate relationship, but care for each other in the end. Ganesh is an unemployed youth who fails at job interviews and lives on his father's money. Things take a turn when Venky gets the job and Venky pleads his father to retire so that he'll care for everything. The execution in this scene was fabulous. It's got the traditional Selva raghavan stamp all over it (read: 7G Rainbow's Ravi Krishna-father bond.)

One of the biggest highlights of the film is this
Venky's job searching
Venky's job interview at Trisha's company

Now no more spoiling of the film. Go get the DVD!

Now you might ask: why the fuss over dhanush. Well after watching the film, there is no doubt that Venky's character won't suit the kuchi Dhanush and here's why. Dhanush is in no form of a Software engineer. He doesn't even look convincing enough (as seen in Pollathavan and his earlier movies.) Venky did a superb job doing such a role and it wasn't so easy. I also can't see Nayantara as a serious Project manager. Trisha did a great job as that and I was floored by her training torture with Venky in the first half of the movie. I REALLY don't see her doing that role with aplomb.

But Yuvan's music was superb. I have loved the telugu songs and I demand he doesn't pull a "Mani Sharma Tamil Pokkiri (read: Pokkiri Pongal over Jagadame)" Retain all of them for the tamil music lovers please!

That's it for today. Expect a Billa 2007 review later this weekend.

Jodha Akbar Music Review (2008)

A year isn't a year without a biggie, even in terms of Music Soundtracks. Last January it was Mani Ratnam's GURU that stormed the music markets of India. It was songs like "Barso Re", "Tere Bina" and the foot-tapping "Mayya." Then he went down south to make things not sound cool with Sivaji and ATM. Atrocious soundtracks those were, he bounces back with the expected Jodha Akbar. That's right Joginder Tuteja, go get your ears checked because I find this album one of the best of the new year. Only difference is that the film's releasing in less than a month (Feb 15th) and with a late arrival (thanks to some certain distributors), it will now soon become latest. This Ashutosh "Lagaan/Swades" Gowarekar (pardon my spelling) - Aishwarya Rai-Hrithik Roshan starrer is bound to be lapped up for Rahman's music.

Enough of my ranting, let's get on with the songs.

Azeem-O-Shashenshah [Rating: 4/5]

Pros: The background music of the drums, making it like you're experiencing the ancient times of the Jodha-Akbar era. Also, it's more or less the teaser trailer's music.

Cons: May or May not be the "pick" of the album.


In Lamhon Ki Daamann Mein [Rating: 5]

Pros: Sonu and Madhursree's singing. The strings, what's more you can ask for. Rahman is genius for romance numbers.

Cons: You have to be a masala fanatic to not like this number. Also, you may not be a fan of Madhursree's singing.


Jashn-e-Baharaa [Rating:4/5 ]

Pros: Great singing by Javed Ali, lyrics, and a bonus, Instrumental!

Cons: People may think of it as a close-copy of "Tere Bina" from GURU?


Khwaja Mere Khwaja [Rating:3.5/5 ]

Pros: Rahman's taking the mike.

Cons: Enjoy it because the qawwali number won't feature in the movie,sounds too much "In Lamhon", Slow number.


Mann Mohana [Rating:5 ]

Pros: Goshal number.

Cons: Sounds a lot like an Ilaiyaraja number remastered.


After listening to all the songs, I have more confirmation that Rahman saves his "BEST" (read: BEST) for the North than the South. Go get it for "In Lamhon!"

Rating: ****

Pollathavan Movie Review (2007)

Dhanush has come a long way in films. His acclaimed films like KADHAL KONDEIN, THULLAVATHO ILLAMAI, & THIRUDA THIRUDI. Like Hrithik Rosham, he too had his share of flops.

But hold on. POLLATHAVAN is truely a comeback film for him. For one, it's slickly made, and the narration is fast-paced. Debutant Director Vetrimaan should be applauded for his efforts.

The Story is taken from Italian short film "The Bicycle Thief".Kumar (Dhanush) lives in the slums of North Chennai along with father (Malayalam Actor Murali) and others. One day, his father gives him a sum of money in order to get a good job and a paying salary to keep the family alive. Kumar invests it on the Pulsar bike. At the same time he's madly in love with Hema (Divya). A couple of sequences later, his bike gets stolen and the story goes has he goes around town frantically getting his bike back and all.

Dhanush has done excellent and his body language is superb especially in the climax fight. Diya has improved and stands well. Santhanam, Karunas and Murali are apt. Daniel Balaji repeats his act from VETTAIYAADU VILAYAADU.

Music by G.V Prakash is average. The remix of ENGEYYUM EPPODAM is okay but it will take a while for listeners to abolish the MSV classic. His background score is great though. Technics of the film are excellent. The downside of the film has to be some songs and the "Madras bashai".

POLLATHAVAN should not be missed for it's racy narration.

Rating: ***

[FLASHBACK REVIEW] Rehnna hai tere dil mein (2001)

Remember Madhavan's debut days? The struggling period that most newcomers often go through before having a "turning point". Abhishek Bachchan had it with REFUGEE but he turned over with Mani Ratnam's YUVA. Hrithik Roshan had it good with KNPH but he got sour with a festival of flops [FIZA, MISSION KASHMIR, YAADEIN, LAKSHAYA] but bounced back with K3G to an extent and KOI MILL GAYA.

Aside from that, this is one of the most underrated movies of all times. In a time where masalas, action thrillers rule the roost (down south mostly) a film like this got underlooked at. Probably because of this release coiciciding with SRK Asoka and Sunny Deol's INDIAN (not the Shankar tamil remake, that was dubbed in hindi as HINDUSTANI.) Both of them flopped along with this, but GAUTHAM MENON [KAKKA KAKKA, VETTAIYAADU VILAYAADU, PACHAIKILLI MUTHUCHARAM] didn't back off.

In fact the way Menon's presented his story is superb. A remake of his Tamil debut film MINNALE [co-starring Reema Sen], Gautham had made significant changes to this one with in the end becomes a better product than the remake itself.

Madhav "Maddy" Shastri is a typical goonda who known to be girl allergic and have a fearsome quarrel with those who go against him. His rival Samraj "Sam" [Saif Ali Khan] is the typical college hero, topper in classes and a girls magnet. Fate changes one day when both of them cross each other lines therefore leaving their last fight in the air until fate crosses paths again.
Cue 3 years later and we have Maddy as a Software Engineer instructor, who's more clean slate but also falls for Reena [Diya Mirza]. However, after knowing about her marriage to a person called "Rajeev", Maddy impersonates as Rajeev from America, who then entices Reena until a sequence of events follows, leading to the ultimate climax.

First and formost, the music deserves full brownie points. Harris Jayaraj has retained 3 of the songs from the Tamil original but has composed "Kehnna Hai" newly for this film exclusively. Camera by Varma is excellent. Edits by Antony is great. Course the post-intervals could've been trimmed a bit.

Madhavan as Maddy is the highlight of the film. Be it his flair for comedy, love, or anger scenes, he's simply competent. Diya Mirza impresses but dialogue delivery could be improved. Saif's done a great job and it shows alot better than Abbas did in the original.

REHNNA HAI TERE DIL MEIN is worth a watch. Go for it!

Rating: ***.5

Azhagiya Tamil Magan Movie Review (2007)

Sruthilayam DVD were officially released last month. I managed to get a copy of this much hyped "Vijay" film. After "Pokkiri", I had lost complete faith in him. The guy has no acting talent and he jumps around like a "korungu"(monkey). They say he's the next Rajinikanth but I highly doubt that. Rajini these days is trying to keep up with the youngsters (Surya, Vikram, Ajith) but the recent Sivaji proved that he looks like a joker doing that[read:Oru Koodal Sunlight, Athiradee.]

Back to ATM, the film is basically a mish-mash of the 70-80s films. After watching Vel last week, I think Vel had a better output than this film.

Guru (Vijay) is a athlete who has the power of ESP. He forsees events that yet to happen. Followed by the MGR style of Kaadhal-Kedal managatti episodes, the heroine (Shriya) introduces the daddy (Ashish Vidyarthi) who gives the go-ahead with the marriage. However, ESP proves Vijay that he will kill his beau at a temple. Events force him to forget her and shift to Mumbai. That's when Prasad (Also, Vijay) makes his step into his "kahani".

The concept of ESP is the backbone of the film however,the director Bharathan failed to explain further. How and why he has it they don't even bother to explain. Another problem is the music by A.R Rahman. I can easily conclude that his Hindi albums easily outrival this and Sivaji clearly. The nail in the coffin has to be "Ponmagal Vandhaal". It's an insult to the Parasakthi's [Sivaji Ganesan] film's orignal composition. This film can go along with Sivaji has one of the biggest blunders of Tamil Cinema of 2007. When films like Mozhi and ParuthiVeeran can be appreciated, why create the same trash over and over again?

If you ask me, the kathai is a blantant rip-off of Vaali only with Vijay-isms [The bobbling body language, mannerisms, the ameteur Rajni like dialogues.] The heroines suck. Period. Santhanam needs to get back to Lollu Sabha if he ever wants to make it big. Stop play the hero's sidekick.

On the whole. ATM is a pale masala. Avoid at all costs.

Rating: *

[FLASHBACK REVIEW] Dil Hi Dil Mein (2000)

As of this writing, it's been a week at the dub/remake central on Zee TV's Matinee shows. This week (12/31) featured "Dil Hi Dil Mein." Directed by Kathir, the cast comprises of Kunal, Sonali Bendre, Nasser, Jhonny Lever, Chinni Jayanth, and Anupam Kher.

The film starts out with protagonist, Raja [Kunal] who hails from a poor family, comes to Mumbai to do his MBA course at the Ramchandra University. Along the way, he gets into an Cyber-Cafe (Note: Film was released during the introduction of the internet-age) where he chats up with Roja. A couple of songs and whatnots later, the story takes a twist filled with tearjerkers, paariwaar and whatnot.

While the songs rendered by Maestro Mozart A.R Rahman are absolutely brilliant [Ae Nazaneen Suno Na, Chand Aaya Hai and Dola Dola are my favories] the dubbing is really poor. For about the first 30 minutes into the movie, the actors are synched well in Hindi while the majority of the film is dubbed.

Apparently there are 2 causes to blame. Kathir and the Hindi distributors. Kathir for instance had actor Kunal in Leonardo di Caprio hairstyle talk in badly dubbed dialogues while the "synched" dialogues had his "Jack" hair gone. The dubbed portions are courtesy of Tamil hit,"Kaadhalar Dhinam." In fact, you can expect this much for the upcoming Dubbed "Sivaji" hitting the North states pretty soon.

Back to DHDM, the actors who actually speak hindi are Anupam Kher, Jhonny Lever, Kunal (Non-Titanic, "Jack" hair) and Nasser (ONLY IN SAWAR GAYEE SONG). The rest of them, Chinni Jayanth, Sonali, Nasser are dubbed. That aside, the story took a steady start but got plunged into the pit of contrivance. Yet, Kathir had good intentions. For instance, no masala fights, just commericial songs. Oh and the dubbed tracks from the Tamil original were reshot in Hindi (except in instances in the beginning of "Roja Roja" where Kunal's dubbed line "Mere Roja" doesn't match the tamil lyrics.)

Acting wise, Nasser is the highlight of the show. Be it his noble intentions of admitting Kathir to the college or his poor-house background. Kunal gets it right, but the tear-jearker stuff didn't get me as misty as TAARE ZAMEEN PAR did. Also, his body language is irritating and repetitive.[read: his walking style.] Sonali sleptwalk through her role. Chinni Jayanth is apt while Johnny Lever tickles your funny bones to an extent. Anupam Kher is excellent. The camera and visuals are excellent.

On the Whole, DIL HI DIL MEIN has it shares of "dubbed" flaws, yet it's finders is often limited.

Rating: ***